Consultation with Childrenin East Africa for the

World Humanitarian SummitMessages from ChildrenAffected by EmergenciesSave the Children

East Africa Regional Office (EARO)P.O. Box 19423 - 00202Nairobi, KenyaPhone: +254 711 090 000www.savethechildren.net

United Nations Children’s FundEastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO)P.O. Box 44145 - 00100Nairobi, KenyaPhone: +254-20-7624536www.unicef.org

East Africa’s Children’sConsultation for the

World Humanitarian Summit

Children’s Voices to World Leaders

2

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. We work in around 120 countries. We save children’s lives, we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

United Nations Children’s Fund - UNICEF works for a more equitable world by fighting for the rights of its future: children

Published by:Save the Children InternationalEast Africa Regional Office (EARO)P.O. Box 19423-00202Nairobi, Kenya+254 711 090 000ea.info@savethechildren.orgwww.savethechildren.net @EA_SaveChildren

©Save the Children International, July 2015

With financial support from SIDA through Save the Children Sweden.

This report was made possible through the dedicated efforts of: Country office and field teams working with Save the Children in UgandaCountry office and field team working with UNICEF in UgandaCountry office and field teams working with Save the Children in Somalia/ SomalilandCountry office and field team working with UNICEF in Somalia/SomalilandCountry office and field teams working with Save the Children in South SudanCountry office and field team working with UNICEF in South Sudan

This report was written by Cherie Enns with Anne Mitaru from Save the Children.

A special thanks to Anthony Njoroge, Rebecca Theuri and Daisy Maima of the Regional Multi-Country Programme Unit, Save the Children East Africa Regional Office; James Elder and Tsitsi Singizi from UNICEF Eastern and Southern Regional Office; and Astrid Chitou from the Save the Children West and Central Africa Regional Office.

We would like to express our gratitude to every child in South Sudan, Somali/Somaliland and Uganda who participated in these consultations. It is our hope that the voices of children will be heard and that humanitarian responses and interventions will reflect the messages that they have shared through this report

This work forms part of the new framework for collaboration between UNICEF Regional Office for East and Southern Africa and Save the Children East Africa and Southern Africa Regional Offices.

The publication is copyright, but may be reproduced by any method without fee or prior permission provided that Save the Children, East Africa Regional Office (EARO) is acknowledged as the source.

Photos, maps, diagrams Credits: © Cherie Enns Consulting Inc/Save the Children

Consultancy Services: Cherie Enns Consulting Inc.Designed and printed by: Ascent Limited

3

Our sincere thanks is expressed to every child in South Sudan, Somalia and Uganda as well as all staff members

and organizations that assisted with the consultation process. It is our hope that your voices are heard and that humanitarian response reflects important ideas included in

AcknowledgementConsultation with Childrenin East Africa for the

World Humanitarian Summit

Messages from ChildrenAffected by Emergencies

4

Our sincere thanks is extended to every child in

South Sudan, Somalia/Somaliland and Uganda who

shared their view and voice on what they have,

what they need, and what they would like for their

immediate and distant futures.

It is our hope these important voices of children,

living as refugees or internally displaced children,

will be heard and will inform how the humanitarian

system responds to their needs in protracted

emergencies - to best ensure that they survive, are

educated, and remain safe.

Contents

2 Executive Summary

6 Context

8 Methods and Findings

10 Discussion of Thematic Areas

10 Children’s Voice on Humanitarian Effectiveness

14 Children’s Voice on Reducing Vulnerability and Managing Vulnerability

17 Children’s Voice on Transformation through Innovation

19 Children’s Voice on Serving the Needs of People in Conflict

24 Conclusion

2

1Executive Summary

In May 2016 the UN Secretary-General will

convene the first-ever World Humanitarian

Summit (WHS) in Istanbul “...to propose

solutions to our most pressing challenges and

set an agenda to keep humanitarian action fit

for the future.”1 The Summit and the processes

and conversations leading up to the Summit

have provided and will continue to provide an

important opportunity to re-shape the future

of humanitarian action to better serve people

affected by conflict and disaster. In seeking to

re-shape the humanitarian architecture, the

views of all stakeholders need to be taken into

account, including and especially some of the

world’s most vulnerable members—children.

In the lead up to the Summit, and keen to lend a missing

voice to regional and global conversations, Save the

Children and UNICEF carried out a consultation that

sought the views of around 500 children, primarily

aged between 7 and 14 years. The children, affected

by conflict and protracted, complex emergencies,

and currently living as Internally Displaced Children

(IDC), or refugees in selected regions of South Sudan,

Somalia, Somaliland and Uganda, were encouraged

to identify their needs, express their concerns and

make recommendations for living in areas of conflict

and /or protracted displacement. The consultations

were carried out over a 3 week period in June 2015 in:

� Adjumani in Uganda (84 children consulted

from June 9-11 2015)

� Bor, Pibor, Yambio and Awerial in South

Sudan (269 children consulted from June

10-28 2015)

� Hargeisa, Burao and Bosasso in Somalia

and Somaliland (131 children consulted

from June 15-25 2015)

The methods of gathering data included the completion

of surveys, drawings, community mapping, general

discussions and creative writing of poems and songs.

1 World Humanitarian Summit. 2015. About the World Humanitarian Summit. Retrieved from: https://www.worldhumanitariansummit.org/whs_about

3

The consultation design allowed the children to freely identify their needs, express their concerns

and make recommendations on living in areas of conflict and /or protracted displacement. Each of

the consultations not only affords a unique insight into the lives of children and the environment they

live in, but also provides an opportunity to better understand the needs of children, their families and

communities in the delivery of humanitarian assistance in this region.

From the consultation findings, the most important messages conveyed by the children are centered

around the negative effects of conflict on their lives, and their urgent desire for peace. According to

accounts from many children, peace will enable parents to return to everyday life and once again

provide safe shelter, education and food. However, even when removed from conflict, there are still

pressing issues that these children face, the most frequently mentioned being a general lack of sense

of community and a lack of quality education opportunities. Children highly value education as a method

to escape conflict, poverty and general harm, and look to leaders to help them with this.

As part of concerted efforts to inform the review of the global humanitarian architecture through the

convening of the World Humanitarian Summit, this report will share children’s views and voices and

bring to the fore their most urgent concerns as sought through the lens of the four thematic areas

of the WHS – humanitarian effectiveness, reducing vulnerability and managing risk, transformation

through innovation and serving the needs of people in conflict.

The findings of this consultation will seek to feed into the WHS process and conversations through

the submission of this report to the WHS secretariat. Scheduled to take place in Istanbul in May 2016,

the Summit and the pre-summit processes provide an important opportunity to re-shape the future of

humanitarian action to better serve people in need, as well as propose changes that will see a more

effective, inclusive and global system that is fit for purpose beyond 2016.

Through this report, the children call on the humanitarian community to make a difference in reducing

the vulnerabilities and risks they face. While presenting their voices is important, it is not enough to

give them the opportunity to ‘express’ their views and opinions. These should be seriously taken into

consideration enabling them to influence and affect significant change. These are their asks to world

leaders and the humanitarian system:

1. End conflict and war now, and reunite us with our families.

2. End our hunger by providing employment for our families or through feeding

programs at schools and child friendly spaces.

3. Provide us with quality education even during periods of conflict.

4. Provide us with healthcare and access to medical facilities.

5. Protect us from abuse and harm.

6. Build child friendly spaces (CFCs) in locations away from conflict, ensuring

these spaces have sanitary facilities for us to use, spaces for us to play, and

sports equipment for us to play with; trained teachers; and counselling - for

us and our family members.

7. Provide employment, training and access to technology for youth.

8. Regularly consult with children and integrate their perspectives into all

planning and programming for effective responses.

4

5

© R

ebec

ca.Th

euri/

Save

the

Chi

ldre

n

Children in Adjumani, Uganda (June 2015 WHS Child Consultation)

6

2Context

Tears of a Refugee Child

Born into suffering

Born to be malnourished

Born in the bush

Born on the run

Born in poverty

Born to be a refugee

Born in the middle of desert

Born in worries

Son of the scream

Daughter of boom

Sister of landmines

Brother of waters

Grandson of affliction

Born to either die or escape death

by a noose

Born to suckle sorrow

Born to worry of chaos and deny

peace, which won’t come soon,

Tears of a South Sudanese child

~ Sabboth Mamer,

Adjumani, Uganda, June 2015 ~

According to the recently released Global

Trends Report: World at War, the United

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR) reported that approximately 60

million individuals were forcibly displaced

around the world as a result of persecution,

conflict, widespread violence, or human

rights violations in 2014.2 Tragically, more

than half of this population is children.2 In

2014 children below the age of 18 constituted

51% of the refugee population, up from 41%

in 2009. This is the highest figure in more

than a decade.3In 2014 the United Nations

Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that 230

million children live in countries traumatised

by conflict, therefore, placing millions more

children at risk.4

In the face of conflict and protracted emergencies,

including protracted refugee situations,5 the Greater

East Africa region is an area where 3 out of the top

10 refugee hosting countries6 and 4 out of the top 10

major source countries for refugees7 reside. With this,

children living in countries with conflict and/or chronic

and often complex emergencies are continually at

risk of facing physical, emotional and psychological

harm. Often children are killed and maimed during

violent attacks, while other grave violations such

as recruitment and use as child soldiers, rape and

sexual violence, abduction, denial of humanitarian

access and attacks against their schools and hospitals

2 UNHCR News (2015). Worldwide displacement hits all-time high as war and persecution increase. Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/558193896.html

3 UNCHR (2015) Global Trends Report: World At War at page 3

4 UNICEF (2014) Children and emergencies in 2014- acts. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/media/files/UNICEF_Children_and_Emergencies_2014_fact_sheet.pdf

5 UNHCR defines a protracted refugee situation as one in which 25,000 or more refugees from the same nationality have been in exile for five years or more in a given asylum country.

6 UNCHR (2015) Global Trends Report: World At War at 12

7 UNCHR (2015) Global Trends Report: World At War at 14

7

become commonplace.8 For instance, South Sudan alone saw 750,000 children internally displaced,

320,000 registered as child refugees, hundreds killed, and over 12,000 recruited and used by the

government and opposition forces as child soldiers in armed conflict in 2014.9 Similarly, in Somali/

Somaliland, where there is a protracted crisis, seeing a high number of the population internally

displaced as a result of civil war, children are almost twice as likely to die from disease and malnutrition

due to some of the complexities manifested in chronic and complex emergencies.

Against this backdrop, the lives and future of many children are at risk. “The sudden and violent onset

of emergencies, the disruption of families and community structures, as well as the acute shortage of

resources with which most refugees are confronted, deeply affects the physical and psychological well-

being of refugee children”10 Due to the disproportionate effects on children, conflict in children’s lives

must be addressed in an urgent, effective, and long-term manner. To address their needs, it is vital to

know and understand them from a child’s perspective. Unfortunately children’s views and thoughts are

often not sought in the response/design of programmes for people affected by conflict or humanitarian

disasters. It is essential that the first step to make this possible be based on understanding the child’s

best interests and their needs and rights as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

Consultation locations

Legend

Figure 1. Greater East Africa Region Consultation Locations.

8 UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. (n.d.). The six grave violations. Retrieved from https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/effects-of-conflict/six-grave-violations

9 World Hunger (2015) 2015 World hunger and poverty facts and statistics. Retrieved from http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm

10 http://www.unicef.org/violencestudy/pdf/refugee_children_guidelines_on_protection_and_care.pdf, 2004.

© Cherie Enns Consulting Inc.

8

3Method

and Findings

Over a three-week period in June

2015, field staff were trained and

approximately 500 consultations11 were

conducted with children using a survey tool,

mapping tool, and (when time permitted)

a creative arts tool. With this, children had

the opportunity to respond to an interactive

survey, participate in a community mapping

activity and also share a poem or a drawing.

The objective was to engage children in

interactive, fun and educational sessions.

Reflecting the objectives of the WHS and the

proposed new agenda for global humanitarian

action, the consultation approach and tools

were organized to inform the following four

areas:

11 A detailed methods report on consultation tools and approaches are available for review (see Annex). As noted above consultations were carried out in Adjumani in Uganda (84 Child Consultations from June 6-10, 2015); Bor, Pibor, Yambio and Awerial in South Sudan (269 Child Consultations from June 10-28, 2015); Hargeisa, Burao and Bosasso in Somalia/Somaliland (131 Child Consultations from June 15-28, 2015)

Figure 2. Adjumani, Uganda (June 2015 WHS Child Consultation).

9

1. Humanitarian effectiveness - How can humanitarian action meet the needs of all children?

2. Reducing vulnerability and managing risk - How can humanitarian action more effectively

support children?

3. Transformation through innovation - How can humanitarian action remain more responsive

and adaptive to change?

4. Serving the needs of people in conflict - What are the most pressing needs of children in

conflict?

The methods used for the purpose of this consultation included interviews, short videos, artwork,

story writing, face-to-face conversations and intergenerational dialogues, and drew on best practice

methods applied in other similar consultations.

The consultation focused on determining the views of children on a broad set of questions, such as:

1. What they are receiving and not receiving in crisis situations (e.g. food, shelter, education,

water, reunification, healthcare, ability to participate in decisions that impact them and their

communities, safe spaces, etc.)?

2. What do they want in emergency situations for themselves and their families/communities?

3. How can the interventions of humanitarian actors and governments be improved?

The outcome of consulting approximately 500 children living as refugees or internally displaced children

(IDC) in eight locations in Somalia/Somaliland, South Sudan and Uganda is summarized through the

following messages to world leaders, community leaders and the humanitarian system:

1. End conflict and war now, and reunite us with our families.

2. End our hunger by providing employment for our families or through feeding programs at

schools and child friendly spaces.

3. Provide us with quality education even during periods of conflict.

4. Provide us with healthcare and access to medical facilities.

5. Protect us from abuse and harm.

6. Build child friendly spaces (CFCs) in locations away from conflict, ensuring these spaces

have sanitary facilities for us to use; spaces for us to play, and sports equipment for us to

play with; trained teachers; and counselling - for us and our family members.

7. Provide employment, training and access to technology for youth.

8. Regularly consult with children and integrate their perspectives into all planning and

programming for effective responses.

Somalia (June 2015 WHS Child Consultation).

10

4Discussion of

Thematic Areas

With varying needs in each community,

engaging in participation based

consultations with children to identify priority

areas was integral to effectively reporting on

all aspects of aid for children in conflict. A

careful review of the child survey data reveals

that the majority of children listed peace

as the answer to almost every challenge

or worry, and identified education as their

hope.   In South Sudan, almost every child

consulted listed at least one of conflict, war

or killing as their primary current worry,

and regardless of age, peace was the most

frequently mentioned solution.

Hunger (68%), sickness (57%) and lack of education

(45%) were, respectively, the next three most

commonly listed worries. Similar patterns were

established in Somalia/Somaliland as children

frequently referenced education and poor conditions

of the settlements where they lived as two of their

unmet needs. In Adjumani, Uganda – which hosts

South Sudanese refugees, it was clear there was a

great need for psychosocial support for the real and

perceived fears related to personal protection when

working in the fields and moving throughout the

communities, and for issues related to the use of

drugs.

The following sections provide a closer review of

consultation findings as well as tangible next steps

to increasing the effectiveness of humanitarian

aid, reducing vulnerability and risk, transformation

through innovation and serving the needs of children

in conflict.

4.1 Children’s Voices on

Humanitarian EffectivenessWhat are the perceptions of children on

humanitarian action, the actors and their

participation: Is it timely, is it appropriate, is it

sustainable, what needs to change and how?

Who is best placed to meet their needs?

11

The approach to understanding a child’s perspective on humanitarian effectiveness was to engage the

children in an interactive session to determine their worries and who they thought are best placed to

respond to their needs.

Through the consultation process the children and their care-givers verified that the well-being of

refugee children and IDCs is impacted by multiple factors including experiencing trauma, stressors,

resettlement, acculturation, and social isolation. However, they noted that the same experiences

contributed to their resilience. Very often, these children worry. This is one of the main reasons why

the consultation methodology addressed the worries and fears that they experience. From this point,

governments and the humanitarian community can better help the children find solutions that allow

them to cope.

Increasingly, conflict is affecting children more than any other population. In Adjumani, for example,

of over 100,000 refugees, more than 65% are children. From the consultation, it was determined that

their voices on humanitarian assistance are not taken into regular and systematic consideration. This

is often grounded in the cultural norm that the parents know best and children are supposed to listen

and not be heard. This creates further issues for children without parents. Unaccompanied minors

and orphans are the most neglected, because they have no parental figure to voice their issues and

concerns.

In all three countries, second to the need for peace, the most powerful message the children illustrated

in their drawings is the need for all aspects of community and development, including a sense of

routine in the midst of turmoil. This was viewed as only possible once peace was achieved. The children

believe that once there is peace, their needs will be met, including those of hunger and thirst. If peace

is achieved, community leaders working with humanitarian actors can provide protection to children

and their families. Over a third of the children mentioned they feared the loss of their family members.

In terms of recommendations, the children clearly showed through the mapping exercise a demand

for a complete and functioning community in the midst of conflict, including having permanent homes

and ensuring better protection around their homes, such as having a fenced compound and / or being

able to access police protection. In Somalia/Somaliland every child consulted noted the need for

cleaner camps and garbage removal. Regularly, throughout the consultations, the lack of personal

security, well-designed communities, economic opportunities, reunification with family and parents,

food security, and education were cited as the main concerns of children.

Figure 3. Hargeisa, Somaliland, WHS Consultation, showing permanent compounds and homes.

12

Where children could, they always identified the important role of their local leaders in addressing

the challenges they faced, but they were very cognisant of the role of the international humanitarian

community in delivering peace.

Children differentiated between the actors of aid. They appeared to have strongly and positively identified with agencies they are most connected to and the importance of having a connection to a

child rights agency was emphasised. Unfortunately there were many examples of where children did

not trust teachers or their families. Children expressed unease about their social networks - including

family and teachers - not having their best interests due to their primary concern including the use of

corporal punishment. When linked to priorities, children identified the need to improve their access to

education as well as increased funding for schools, school supplies, teachers, language training, and

school development. Children impressed the need for parents to take a lead role in providing things

needed for school, such as fees and uniforms, for the local and national government to make education

free or provide scholarships, and for humanitarian organizations to provide greater funding for school

supplies and the development of more schools. Children also recognized the need for stability for

students, which included time and willingness to study, support from their families to continue their

education, and peace in their country to reduce their external stresses, including hunger.

Another factor children discussed was the need to increase feeding programmes at schools to ensure

students were not hungry during their class time so they could focus more on their lessons. They

suggested that the food could be provided by either the humanitarian organizations or the government,

or a combination of the two.

Child participants also recognized that food is linked to educational success, health, and stability.

They identified agriculture, animal husbandry, and income as key components of food security. They

called for action from governments, humanitarian

organizations, and the local community to engage in

agricultural practices, to provide animals with food

sources, and give more opportunities to their parents

to make an income closer to home.

Children expressed the need for organisations to

support in the delivery of services such as health and

sanitation. The children also emphasized that schools

and the child-friendly spaces (CFSs) were effective

and important spaces to provide them with what they

need.

Listening to the children in different areas and their

different needs and experiences emphasised that the

one-size-fits all approach does not work.

In addition to what was shared on humanitarian

effectiveness, a review of the data suggests

consideration should be given to the following:

Peace, Peace, Peace

In our country, district, schools,

homes and our communities

Peace, Peace, Peace

We are tired of living in this

unpeaceful environment

Violence child neglect isolation

defilement and poor relationship with

our leaders

Peace, Peace, Peace

For us to have peace we should

respect our leaders, stop violence and

resolve conflicts peacefully

We are all expecting peace

~ Anzoa Gloria,Child refugee, Adjumani, Uganda,

June 2015 ~

13

Children’s Voices on Humanitarian Effectiveness � Children born in a country in which their parents are seeking asylum usually lack a sense

of identity to their country of origin. Social programs need to be set up to educate children

about their country and culture.

� Many children desired flagpoles and other ways of confirming and establishing identity,

supplying children with birth certificates is an important solution in this regard.

� Children do not have adequate avenues to discuss their fears and traumatic experiences. It

is important to have counselling centers for the children.

� It is important to teach children survival skills. The lack of awareness of potential dangers

and how they could be handled is catastrophic. There are even potential dangers within the

camp site from other adults. It is important to teach children about identifying dangers and

effective ways of escaping such dangers, as well as allowing them the freedom to speak

about their concerns.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of governments and the humanitarian community to ensure effective

and efficient use of resources in meeting the needs of target populations. Engaging in consultation and

integration of the child’s voice is critical especially as it relates to the creation, location and resourcing

of safe child friendly spaces (CFCs)

Some of the key worries expressed by a child in South Sudan are outlined in the form below.

Figure 4. Survey from Yambio, South Sudan, illustrating UNICEF helping children through their worries

14

Figure 5. A group of boys in Somalia prioritize integrated recreational space in their community map.

4.2 Children’s Voices on Reducing Vulnerability and Managing RiskHow can humanitarian efforts more effectively support countries and communities to build resilience

to shocks and stresses? How should humanitarian efforts link with development processes?

The approach to understanding the needs of children was to identify the immediate, daily risks they

faced as children and the broader risks associated with protracted emergencies and conflict. This

included understanding what the children deemed to be the most urgent issues, and how to respond

appropriately and in a timely manner.

Children in conflict zones have obvious needs, but again their needs are usually assumed and not

consulted on. For example, the Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugee camps mostly addressed

food, shelter and medical needs. Within the IDP camps in Somalia/Somaliland, children stated the

importance of a place of worship as well as a market place so “their mothers could sell things and

buy food.” Improving access to these resources would also serve to create a level of stability that can

improve the basic conditions impacting children’s experiences. Children also know the importance of

education as a way of escaping their predicament and therefore the children requested that all other

services be delivered through a school or child friendly space.

“Usually projects are designed for children in conflict areas but without their inputs. Children in

different areas have different needs and experiences, and the one-size-fits all approach does not

work. Obviously children in conflict zones think strangers who are there to help them have all the

answers.”

~ Former Child Refugee ~

15

The following survey form illustrates the stress and worries of a 16 year old boy in South Sudan

highlighting the importance of school, desire for safe housing, reliance on local government and his

own personal fear of being killed.

Figure 6. Contrast of the dangers that a 16 year old boy in Yambio, South Sudan is facing versus his hopes for his future, including a good home/house, car and happy people, safety and protection.

Timing is important in minimizing risk. While children are quick to identify agencies responding to their

needs, their focus on security and protection indicates that they remain highly susceptible to conflict

and its impact. Each consultation location had varied risks, so any efforts to work with conflict-affected

communities must prioritize the location-specific needs and views of children. For example, in South

Sudan and Uganda, the largest reported source of trauma was the loss of family through death and

displacement.

In terms of vulnerability, children are deeply affected by the changes to their environment. Sometimes

these are rapid changes resulting in shock and intense stress. For example, many children in conflict

zones are forced to flee their homes with nothing, and live in impoverished conditions, the bush, or

unfamiliar communities. Another issue identified in South Sudan, by over 25% of the children was

flooding and associated risk. In Somalia/Somaliland, garbage, refuse and waste management was the

children’s biggest environmental concern. These situations leave children with little hope for peace,

experiencing widespread terror, and appalling living conditions. Identifying and minimizing the most

acute risks in each area can drastically reduce exposure to harm.

On how to build resilience, children identified that fostering a sense of community was central to this.

Education was repeatedly stated as a critical component needed to create a sense of community

and stability, primarily because of the ability of schools to nature a sense of community while also

16

addressing the trauma of war. Education was viewed as a cornerstone of stability and resilience, a

symbol of safety and structure in a life that is full of rapid changes and risk. In addition to education,

there was interest in honing basic resilience and survival skills, and the freedom to voice their concerns.

Children cited that a lack of awareness of potential dangers could be catastrophic. Therefore, it was

crucial for children to learn how to identify dangers and empower them to communicate these in an

effective way that would lead to reduced risks.

One recurring concern raised by children in relation to reducing vulnerability and managing risks was

dealing with sources of fear and anxiety. Many children referenced fear of war and killing as well as

spiritual fears. During consultations, for example, children in one settlement in Adjumani consistently

discussed demons as their primary fear. A review of these images shows large, headless flying beings

reaching down to snatch the children (shown in Figure 9). While there are several interpretations and

many ways to try to understand an issue that is community-wide, what is important for our purposes

to note the need for psychosocial support for children, and by extension their families and community

leaders. Practices such as cutting to bleed out malaria, early marriage (often mentioned as a fear

for girls), were other worries and risks that require attention through a holistic and community-wide

strategy.

Figure 9. Adjumani child’s drawing of demons, demonstrating psychosocial needs.

17Figure 7. Children’s voices on the need for education in Maaji, Uganda.

Figure 8. Child-created poster demonstratingchild’s perceived importance of school in South Sudan.

In addition to immediate risk reduction, a review of the data suggests consideration should be given

to the following:

� Children do not have adequate avenues to discuss their fears and traumatic experiences. It

is therefore important to have counselling centers for the children.

� Children are vulnerable to sexual and gender based violence (SGBV); organizing community

based watch groups both during the day and at night, while providing lighting in public spaces

will also help reduce the risks of SGBV.

� Strengthening affected peoples’ and communities’ capacities for self-protection by

humanitarian organizations.

� More teaching and awareness required on both the Convention of the Rights of the Child

� (CRC) and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)

� Integrating strategic information and goals into refugee camp education programs such as

creating ‘community’ forums where experiences are shared and issues are discussed so

common solutions can be found.

4.3 Children’s Voices on Transformation through Innovation How can humanitarian efforts remain responsive and adapt to change? How can we respond to

situations with innovation and out of the box solutions?

The approach to understanding the needs of children was to identify challenges, from a new perspective,

that can be met by improving existing procedures or suggesting new initiatives.

Innovation in the context of humanitarian efforts involves looking for opportunities to improve the

delivery of existing humanitarian programs through innovative approaches and non-traditional means.

Through the consultation with children, a unique message emerged with regards to innovation:

Children desire a sense of community. It repeatedly became clear that in innovatively responding in

protracted emergencies, creating a sense of community - for children - is the innovation. Early in the

consultation process, the concept of community emerged in the songs and poetry of children. During

the community mapping exercises and discussions, the children commented on the importance of

community as a way to provide stability in their lives. According to the children, community included

a place to worship, a place to gather, markets, safe schools, symbolic flagpoles, green spaces for play

and other activities and repeatedly called for safer communal spaces. The children’s voices on this

topic suggest that building community would be an innovative approach to transforming humanitarian

efforts.

18© Cherie Enns Consulting Inc.

19

“…innovation is an umbrella term for concerted efforts to respond to new challenges or changing context to improve

existing programs or to integrate new developments from other sectors…”

~ www.worldhumanitariansummit.org ~

When asked to draw what makes them feel safe in their communities, children’s drawings showed

permanent homes or compounds with space for everyone to sleep (as shown below in Figure 10).

The drawings also included access to safe spaces. In the children’s drawings, safe spaces included the

provision of solar panel lighting. This can be related to the general lack of safety and risks that children

encounter. The children’s drawing also reflected a desire for no conflict in their communities. Many

children felt that their camps lacked a sense of community as a result of different risks that interrupt

community life. These risks include prevalence of crime, violence, abuse, ongoing conflict and the

neglect of basic needs.

Children noted the importance of technology and alternative energy in their community map drawings.

Figure 10. “Now and Future” drawing from a child in Somaliland, displaying elements of a wall and gate around the community, with trees and cars.

4.4 Children’s Voices on Serving the Needs of People in Conflict What are the most pressing needs of children in conflict? What are the effective strategies and

methods of providing assistance and protection to children in conflict even where there is combat all

around them?

As previously noted, in South Sudan, almost every child consulted listed conflict, war or killing as their

primary worry and regardless of age, peace was the most frequently mentioned solution. The children

appreciated that once there was peace, their basic needs, such as access to food, water and education

20© Cherie Enns Consulting Inc.

21

would be met. In this sense, children viewed peace as the most important pathway to building better

communities. In all three countries, the need for peace, was the most powerful message and the

children illustrated this in their drawings.

In South Sudan hunger (68%), sickness (57%) and education (45%) were, respectively, the next three

most commonly listed worries. Similar patterns were established in Somalia/Somaliland as children

frequently referenced education as one of their unmet needs. In Uganda 86% of the listed worries by

the children were classified as basic needs, with 82% of the children citing access to education and

books are their main concern. The second most prevalent concern was hunger.

Throughout the consultations, the point that the “…international communities should bring peace…”

was made resoundingly clear. Without a lasting and stable peace, families will remain at risk. This risk

can be in the form of perpetuators of crime and violence or as victims of abuse12.

Male 16 South Sudan War/Killing conflict “if there is peace my parent will cultivate”

Male 10 South Sudan War/ Killing/ conflict “My solution I need peace in South

Sudan.”

Male 10 South Sudan War / Killing/ conflict “Rebel and government should stop

killing children and women.”

Male 12 South Sudan Security “if there is no security, my parent can’t

produce food.”

Female 8 South Sudan Education “...I don’t go to school always, but my

brothers do. My mother should allow

me to go to school and do chores after

school.”

Female 8 South Sudan Abuse “Children need protection from

government and parental abuse”

When asked who should fix their worries, eight to 14 year olds in Bosasso, Puntland responded with:

Authorities/Government, Community Committees, Community, Parents, Teachers, Police, Local and

International Organizations

In examining the data around protection and education, it was evident that education was critical in not

only providing protection, but also creating a sense of community and stability while addressing the

trauma of war. Education is seen to be a ‘hope for the future’.

12 UNICEF. (2014). Children and emergencies in 2014- acts. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/media/files/UNICEF_Children_and_Emergencies_2014_fact_sheet.pdf

“My solution: I need peace in South Sudan”

~ 10 year old boy, South Sudan ~

22© Cherie Enns Consulting Inc.

23

The information shared in the summary below indicates the urgency with which conflict needs to be

resolved and provides insights into the impact of conflict on children in South Sudan.

Question Answer

How big is your family? Is it still the same? We were 4 siblings in the family. No, I was abducted

by the LRA, I was 10 years old. I am the 1st born.

Is where you are living now different from the

past?

Yes it is very different. Life in the bush was very

difficult, people move at night in the bush.

What worries you about where you are living? Not worried because I am now free, safe from

captivity and the harsh life with the LRA.

What do you want to do in the future? Want to go back to school and get education.

Want to join the military then go back to fight Kony

because Kony spoiled all my plans.

Child’s Need Who Should Respond

Housing, food, school building, supplies,

clothing, and reunification

UNICEF and Save the Children

Protection of children Government and parents

Protection from rape UNHCR

Protection from child labour Government laws

Peace Government, world, God and prayer

Security Government, community, police

School fees Government and scholarships

Passing examinations Children themselves

Jobs and development Government

The summary diagrams and above charts

promote key consultation findings and prioritize

putting an end to conflicts. In addition, child

drawn maps (as seen in figures 7 and 10) stress

the need for schools or child friendly spaces,

as these allow them to feel safe. Extending

protection for children in these places at night,

as well as during the day, during conflict will

increase security and better serve basic needs.

Hunger, Hunger, HungerHunger in the North

Hunger in the South

Hunger in the West

Hunger in the East

Hunger is Everywhere

What can you do to stop hunger?

We are all expecting Peace

~ Child Refugee,Adjumani, Uganda, June 2015 ~

24

5Conclusion

Children living in countries facing conflict

and or protracted emergencies have

unique needs. While they make up the majority

of displaced population, unfortunately their

needs often remain assumed and insufficiently

or not accessed. The consultation allowed

the children to freely identify their needs

and express their recommendations. This

report has highlighted the critical need for

a humanitarian architecture that reflects

children’s voices, and concerns, in the planning

and roll out of responses and programmes. -

as everyone has a story to tell.

Through the consultation, the focus was on the child

as the storyteller. Children provide a unique insight

into the realities of living through conflict, as well as

important firsthand accounts of the most vulnerable

people in conflict situations.

As an at risk constituency, their stories shed light on

how to meet their basic needs, protect them and

provide an enabling environment for them to grow.

Allowing children to tell their stories, listening to

these stories, and using these stories to shape our

actions can move all key players in the humanitarian

system closer to achieving the goals and objectives

of international and continental law instruments that

address the rights of children.

Through this consultation children’s concerns around

the universal access to education, an end to war

and conflict, disease and illness, hunger and child

abuse were dominant. The lives of millions of children

in Greater East Africa are at risk, and in meeting

more than their basic needs, children growing up in

refugee and IDP camps can be provided with the

opportunities to transition into adulthood where they

can be contributing members of society.

Ultimately, it remains the responsibility of

governments and the humanitarian community to

ensure the effective and efficient use of resources in

25

meeting the needs that these children have identified. Understanding that in many cases more than

half of the displaced populations in this region are children, with limited resources available, adequately

responding to their needs in conflicts and protracted emergencies is critical. We must ensure that the

best interests of children are at the heart of all humanitarian interventions so that they survive, are

educated, and remain safe.

Please note the following information is included in a separate report.

1. WHS Consultation Concept Paper

2. WHS Consultation Method

3. WHS Consultation Tools

4. Legal Framework and Crisis Context

5. WHS Child Consultation Country Reports

6. Data Sets and Selected Images

7. Selected Resources

26

27

28

Consultation with Childrenin East Africa for the

World Humanitarian SummitMessages from ChildrenAffected by EmergenciesSave the Children

East Africa Regional Office (EARO)P.O. Box 19423 - 00202Nairobi, KenyaPhone: +254 711 090 000www.savethechildren.net

United Nations Children’s FundEastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO)P.O. Box 44145 - 00100Nairobi, KenyaPhone: +254-20-7624536www.unicef.org

East Africa’s Children’sConsultation for the

World Humanitarian Summit

Children’s Voices to World Leaders